The Effects of Divorce on the Development of Children’s Lives

Karake Musaja Vincent

Development, Divorce, Effects.

Divorce is a heart-breaking experience that changes the lives of parents and children. In God’s plan, marriage is to be a strong union, the mystery of the two becoming one, and which once entered into, no one should break (Mark 10:6-9). Divorce is a devastating event which affects parents’ emotional, psychological, and economic stability. It also impacts parents’ relationship with their offspring. The objective of this study is to find what the root causes and solutions of conflicts that result to early divorce in Christian families are and the ensuing consequences as it pertains particularly to the development of the lives of the children.

To find the causes and solution to the problem of divorce, relevant literature by authorities and scholars in the area of Divorce and Marriage was reviewed. Views on factors that affect both parents and their children were taken to be used and compared to results of data critically and synthetically analyzed and interpreted in chapter.

In the process to collect data, Qualitative Descriptive research design was used where questionnaire, study guide, and interviews were used to collect data.  Basing on the research objectives, the data collected was coded, analyzed and tabulated.  The data was then interpreted, being answers from 85 respondents involved in the study.

The findings showed that among the major causes of divorce are: infidelity, sexuality difficulties among couples, drug abuse, incompatibility, economic status of the family, poor communication, and work-holism. The couple should always remember forgiveness and respect to each other will go a long way towards fighting the spirit of divorce. It is recommended that the couple always work towards establishing and maintaining good, marital relationship. They should be extra careful how they behave before their children if divorce has actualized. Lastly, they should also be aware of the help that is always available through Counseling.